Happy 200th Birthday, Abe Lincoln!

Kellan learned all about Abe's birthday at school today and, when we got home, he wanted to bake cupcakes in celebration. I still contend that he simply has my, "Any excuse for cupcakes!" attitude towards life, but hey, we sang happy birthday and did our best to celebrate the man in the portrait there. While enjoying the cupcake experience, of course.









Watching the cupcakes bake. Why do they take so long???



The almost finished product. They are just done cooling now and we're about to frost.




He said, "Do you want to take my picture?" and struck a pose. So I did.

An afternoon at the sled hill

We had a good dump of snow last week, as well as a Friday off of school (and thus work), so decided to hit the sled hill. Yes, that would be the sled hill. As in, the only hill around. Still, looking on the bright side, at least we have a sled hill, right?

PS -- part way through the afternoon, Kel got his hat soaked. Being the perfect mother that I am, I gave up my own hat (it was cold!) so that his little head didn't freeze. The photos are in no particular order here, so sometimes he's wearing his blue hat, and sometimes my hat. In case you wondered.










Yes, this is a frozen pond. Well frozen. No chance of falling in. I promise.






Wipe out! Possibly the one that resulted in our hat trade.







After a couple of hours sledding, Kel decided that he wanted to play at the park. Yes, play at the park on a bitterly cold January day. I may not be a Midwesterner, but I fear that my son does indeed belong here. Weirdo.

Random San Diego happiness

Just some shots from our activities of the past couple of days, otherwise known as the "post-Disney recovery period".

Hot sunny days on the water are the best way to spend time in January. Wouldn't you agree? The schools in Springfield were closed on this particular day because it was too cold. They closed the schools for cold. And look at us.






Back on good old "Number 41" (ie The Midway).







I don't think that the lady in the pink shirt has really got her heart in this game.




While out on the seaside, its always nice to go for a ride on the carousel.









Most beautiful skyline in the world. Hands down. My home town.







Few more from the Midway (I'm too lazy to go back and change the order right now!).






These are from the Hawk Watch at the Ramona Grasslands wildlife preserve. Fantastic experience.